Special Feature
Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the Word of God? Attend one or several of Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School Lay Academy of Theology 2019 fall classes to grow in your faith. This semester’s theme, Words of Life, is inspired by John 6:68 that says, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…” Fall classes are offered both in the afternoon and evening with several topics, all taught by Divinity school professors.
“Romans: The Good News of God’s Saving Power” is one class being taught this semester by Dr. Frank Thielman. In his class, Dr. Thielman will explain the historical circumstances that resulted in Paul writing the book of Romans while exploring why Paul’s words found in Romans are still significant to the Bible today. “Romans is a bit like hiking a mountain whose path to the top is challenging, but with an amazing view once you have arrived,” Dr. Thielman explains. He adds, “Our plan in this class will be to walk through Romans together from beginning to end, pausing along the way to reflect on what it means for our own lives. By the end, my hope is that we will all have a deeper understanding of the good news that Jesus offers forgiveness and new life to all who follow him.” This class will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. for six Wednesdays beginning October 2.
Dr. Mike Pasquarello will teach “Reading Ephesians with Eugene Peterson.” Starting on October 1, his class will meet for 
six Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. Dr. Pasquarello will lead students through the book of Ephesians using the book Practice Resurrection by the late Eugene Peterson as a guide. Dr. Pasquarello adds, “This class is designed to help Christians better understand the nature of the Triune God whom they worship, the nature of the church to which they belong and the nature of the Christian life and mission to which they have been called.”
“The Gospel of Mark” will be taught by Dr. Sydney Park for six Friday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m., starting on October 4. Dr. Park will guide students through discovering who Jesus is. She will explore questions such as, “Who is Christ?” and “What did He teach?” Dr. Park invites you to join her on this journey through the Gospel of Mark. “Come and explore the rich heritage we have in Christ and the salvation He offers as Mark offers a moving and painfully realistic portrait of Jesus and the disciples. You will leave with conviction and a renewed desire to know this Lord,” Dr. Park adds.
“The Pentateuch” taught by Dr. Gignilliat and “The Psalms: Jesus’ Prayer Book” led by Dr. Webster are just two of the other classes being taught this semester. To learn more about the fall classes, visit www.beesondivinity.com/layacademy. Register early to receive a discounted rate. †
